Greek Orthodox Baptism

One of the most special moments in many families’ lives (after the birth of a baby, of course!) is the day their child is baptized.  When Little G’s mom contacted me in the spring to ask whether I photographed baptisms, I knew that I was going to be working with a pretty special family…one who wanted to document this special day while being free to be fully present. 

The image above is Little G along with his parents (dad holding him and gorgeous mom in the black lace dress) and his godparents.  Just one hour before, the ceremony got underway.  I decided to start off by photographing some of the details while the guests arrived.

 I also had a chance to get some photos of Little G on the move. Isn’t he too cute?!

When some of the guests arrived, they lit a candle outside of the sanctuary.  Soon it was time for the pastoral staff to light the candles, and I knew it was almost time for the ceremony to begin!

 I’m so glad that mom gave me a detailed overview of all of the day’s events prior to the ceremony.  A Greek Orthodox baptism is quite different from the ones I’ve observed in a Baptist church.  For example, the ceremony started at the back of the church with some prayers and rituals.  The family and priests then walked down the aisle to the altar for the rest of the ceremony.

Like most baptisms, there is a time when the baby is either “dunked” or sprinkled with holy water.  In the Greek Orthodox tradition, the baby is submerged in the baptismal basin.  Although there were some tears, Little G soon recovered.

I don’t know why, but I love this moment in the dressing room with Little G and his grandmothers.  One lives in Florida and the other in South Africa, and this image speaks to the idea that it takes a village to train up a child in the way he should go.

Dressed in his baptismal clothes, Little G made his way back to the altar and ended the day all smiles!